…Set up taskforce
By Nkechi Ojukwu
As part of its unwavering resolve to fully recover and positively transform all sectors of Imo state economy and fledging areas of public concern, the Hope Uzodinma 3-R mantra administration has declared it willingness to work in conjunction with the state chapter of the National Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria,NANTMP.
The aim ,it was gathered is to flush out quacks and all forms of unscrupulous dealers parading as genuine practitioners.
To effectively identify unqualified practitioners in Traditional medicine practice in all parts of Imo state, a taskforce would soon be constituted for the job of fishing out offenders.
Speaking as a Special guest at the inauguration ceremony of Local Government Area chapter chairmen, patrons and women leaders of NANTMP in Owerri, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof Emeka Ubaka who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Health, Dr. Okeji A.C, expressed shock over the alarming rate of the increase in the number of peddlers of illicit drugs.
Calling on the umbrella body of traditional medicine practitioners to ensure proper screening for intending practitioners in all parts of the state, the Health commissioner tasked all those operating without license to come out fully for screening and proper identification.
Prof Ubaka explained that there is nothing wrong with Traditional medicine practice, adding that those in the sector should adhere strictly to the standard and acceptable code of conduct and sincerity of purpose.
According to the Health commissioner, orthodox medicine practice originated and derived its root from Traditional medicine practice.
Commending the Southeast zonal and Imo state leadership of NANTMP for duly and lawfully drawing up programmes for the day’s inauguration of the association’s Local Government Area functionaries, the Health commissioner observed that the exercise was in line with Imo state government’s plans and programme of making quality healthcare service accessible for the people.
Commissioner Ubaka charged the NANTMP LGA officers not to function outside the laws and regulations guiding the association.
He also assured that the state government would continue to provide the enabling environment for the advancement of traditional medicine practice in the state.
In a goodwill message endorsed by the director representing Southeast in the national board for traditional medicine practice, Chief Linus Ogunka, the Southeast zonal chapter applauded the Imo state leadership of the association which has Hon Chief John Amarachukwu Nwaike as chairman for impressive achievements, so far.
Chief Ogunka described the inauguration of LGA functionaries of the state chapter of the association as a bold and right step in the right direction.
The Board of Trustees member charged the newly inaugurated LGA officers to show high level of discipline and adherence to the rule of law while serving in their various areas of coverage.
In his welcome address, the state Chairman of NANTMP, Hon Chief John Nwaike thanked Imo state government for according due recognition to Traditional medicine practice and encouraging NANTMP to bring all practitioners in the state under one umbrella.
Chief Nwaike expressed gratitude and appreciation to Governor Uzodinma who according to him, has since assumption of office in the year, 2020 as Imo state chief executive, continued to encourage the growth of both Orthodox and Traditional practice in the state.
Appreciating further, the Uzodinma led 3-R mantra administration for encouraging traditional medicine practitioners to excell in their chosen field of endeavour, the state chairman of NANTMP charged all practitioners to come forward for proper identification.
Warning fake practitioners in the field to quit in their own interest Chief Nwaike also posited that after due consultations with government, the state leadership of NANTMP would without delays, constitute a taskforce to fish out and hand over to law enforcement agencies, all those operating unlawfully as traditional medicine practitioners in the state.
He therefore, cautioned every practitioner in the state to promptly, visit NANTMP state secretariat along Owerri-Egbu road beside Shoprite Super market for screening and proper identification.
Meanwhile, the Imo state chapter chairman of NANTMP has urged newly inaugurated LGA officers to always be in touch with state and zonal functionaries of the association to enable them be abreast of activities at the state secretariat.
The event featured issuance of certificates of honour to some deserving personalities who distinguished themselves in various areas of service to the society as well as certificates of return to the newly inaugurated LGA officers.